At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic HR initiatives and partner with senior leaders to drive organisational change.
- Company: Join a dynamic maritime company focused on innovation and employee engagement.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to work in a fast-paced environment with excellent growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping the people strategy in a diverse operational setting.
- Qualifications: Significant HR experience, strong commercial acumen, and knowledge of UK employment law.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
The Role
Contract type: Permanent and Full Time
Reporting to: HR Director
Location: London - Office based 5 days per week
Overview of role
As Senior HR Business Partner, you will act as a strategic partner and trusted advisor to senior leadership, supporting the HR Director in shaping and executing the people strategy across Zodiac Maritime. This pivotal role will lead the delivery of key people initiatives, driving organisational change, performance excellence, and employee engagement across an operationally diverse business. You will translate business priorities into practical, people-focused solutions that build capability, strengthen culture, and deliver measurable impact aligned with Zodiac Maritime’s strategic objectives.
Key responsibilities and primary deliverables
- Strategic HR Leadership
- Partner with senior leaders to align HR strategies with business objectives, enabling delivery of commercial and operational goals.
- Support the HR Director in designing and executing the people strategy, driving engagement, capability, and high performance.
- Lead workforce planning and organisational design initiatives to ensure optimal structures, role clarity, and capability for future growth.
- Use people analytics and HR metrics to surface insights, track trends, anticipate workforce risks, and measure the ROI of HR initiatives.
- Champion and influence cultural and organisational change programmes that enhance agility, efficiency, and alignment with business values.
- Talent, Learning & Development
- Support delivery of the company’s talent and succession strategy, ensuring strong leadership pipelines and capability across key functions.
- Partner with leaders to identify and address skill gaps through targeted development and learning programmes.
- Drive proactive recruitment and onboarding practices that attract and retain top talent across the global organisation.
- Embed a culture of performance, accountability, and continuous development through effective coaching and feedback.
- Performance Management
- Support implementation and continuous improvement of the company’s performance management framework to drive accountability and results.
- Work with department heads to align KPIs, objectives, and measures with strategic priorities, fostering a high-performance mindset and ensuring performance outcomes inform talent and reward decisions.
- Promote a culture of accountability, feedback, and continuous improvement through clear objectives, meaningful feedback, and ongoing development.
- Change & Organisational Effectiveness
- Lead and support organisational change and transformation projects, ensuring clear communication, employee engagement, and business continuity.
- Develop and drive strategies that strengthen resilience, adaptability, and a positive change culture.
- Coach and equip leaders to effectively lead teams through transition and change.
- Employee Relations
- Provide expert advice and guidance on employee relations matters, ensuring consistency, fairness, and compliance with UK and international employment law.
- Lead or support complex ER cases and investigations, balancing risk management with a pragmatic business approach.
- Build leadership capability in employee engagement, performance management, and conflict resolution.
- Policy Development & Compliance
- Review, develop, and implement HR policies that reflect business culture, evolving legislation, and best practice.
- Ensure adherence to employment law, regulatory requirements, and internal governance standards.
Skill Profile
Relevant experience and education
- Significant HR business partnering or senior generalist experience within complex, international organisations (ideally in shipping, logistics, energy, or other asset-intensive sectors).
- Degree in Human Resources, Organisational Psychology, or Business Management is preferred.
- Proven track record of designing and delivering strategic people initiatives across talent, performance, organisational design, and change management.
- Strong commercial acumen with the ability to translate business priorities into practical, outcome-focused people strategies.
- Sound knowledge of UK employment law, with exposure to international employment practices and global HR governance.
- High level of data literacy and digital confidence, with experience leveraging HR analytics, technology, and AI-driven insights to inform decisions and optimise people practices.
- Demonstrated ability to build credibility and trusted partnerships with senior leaders and line managers, particularly in fast-moving and high-change environments.
- Resilient and hands-on approach — comfortable operating strategically while willing to roll up sleeves to see plans through to delivery.
- Strong problem-solving, prioritisation, and decision-making skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects in a lean, agile environment.
- Ongoing curiosity and awareness of emerging HR trends including digital transformation, AI in the workplace, and the evolving nature of work.
Regrettably due to the high volume of applications received, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Senior HR Business Partner employer: Zodiac Maritime
Zodiac Maritime is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London where strategic HR initiatives drive organisational success. With a strong focus on employee engagement and development, we provide ample opportunities for professional growth and a culture that champions innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace ensures that every team member can thrive and contribute meaningfully to our mission.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior HR Business Partner
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to connections in the HR field, especially those who work at Zodiac Maritime or similar companies. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company culture and recent initiatives. Show how your experience aligns with their people strategy and be ready to discuss how you can drive engagement and performance excellence.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job openings—create opportunities! Consider reaching out directly to the HR team at Zodiac Maritime through our website. Express your interest and share how you can contribute to their strategic goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews with a thank-you note. Mention specific points from your conversation that excited you about the role. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in their minds!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior HR Business Partner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Senior HR Business Partner. Highlight your experience in strategic HR leadership and how you've successfully aligned HR strategies with business objectives in the past.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to showcase your passion for HR and how your skills can drive organisational change and employee engagement at Zodiac Maritime. Be specific about what you can bring to the table.
Showcase Your Data Skills:Since data literacy is key for this role, don’t forget to mention any experience you have with HR analytics or using metrics to inform decisions. We want to see how you’ve used data to drive people-focused solutions!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Zodiac Maritime
✨Know Your HR Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of HR practices, especially in areas like talent management and employee relations. Familiarise yourself with UK employment law and any relevant international practices, as this will show that you're ready to tackle the complexities of the role.
✨Align with Business Objectives
Understand Zodiac Maritime's strategic goals and think about how HR can support these. Be prepared to discuss how you've previously aligned HR strategies with business objectives and how you can bring that experience to the table.
✨Showcase Your Data Skills
Since the role requires a high level of data literacy, be ready to talk about how you've used HR analytics in past roles. Bring examples of how you've leveraged data to drive decisions or improve people practices, as this will demonstrate your ability to make informed, strategic choices.
✨Demonstrate Change Management Experience
This position involves leading organisational change, so come equipped with examples of how you've successfully managed change initiatives. Discuss your approach to communication and engagement during transitions, as well as how you've coached leaders through these processes.
